1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be convincingly accepted or mistaken for a different type of person or thing.
"With a beard and glasses, he could easily pass for a professor."
inseparable
pass for
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To be convincingly accepted or mistaken for something or someone that one is not.
In plain English
To be good enough at looking like something else that people believe you really are it.
What does "pass for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(ironic/humorous) To be barely acceptable or just good enough to be considered something.
"I wouldn't call this a proper meal, but I suppose it could pass for lunch."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used to talk about age, identity, or quality. Can be used ironically or sarcastically: 'This old bread could pass for a weapon.' Interchangeable with 'pass as' in most contexts.
Words that pair with "pass for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
younger older local professional native expert
How to conjugate "pass for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pass for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes for
he/she/it
Past simple
passed for
yesterday
Past participle
passed for
have + pp
-ing form
passing for
continuous
Hear "pass for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pass for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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